Paula Jackson joins board as non-executive director.
Mercer has appointed Kristen Kohere-Soutar as chair of its New Zealand board, following the retirement of Ross Butler.
Kohere-Soutar joined the board two and a half years ago as an independent non-executive director.. She has held previous directorships with Foundation North and Whairawa Funds, leadership roles with Kiwibank and NZTE, and has iwi affiliations to Ngati Porou, Ngai Tahu and Rongowhakaata.
Mercer’s CEO New Zealand, Martin Lewington, thanked Butler for his service.
“Ross’ leadership over the past seven years as a member of the board and chair has been invaluable. In this time we’ve made some significant achievements when it comes to delivering the best investment outcomes for our customers and clients.
“We’re indebted to his unwavering commitment to ensuring we hold ourselves to the highest standard when it comes to acting in the best interests of New Zealanders. We wish him all the best in his endeavours,” he said.
Ms Kohere-Soutar said Mercer had a strong strategy to reach its objectives, and the board and leadership team were well equipped to achieve continued success.
“As the needs of customers and clients change, we must be nimble and agile enough to adapt. We’re seeing climate issues and sustainability as major themes becoming more important to New Zealanders.
“We are proud to be committed to responsible investing, leveraging Mercer’s local and global investment research and management for the benefit of all New Zealand investors, including foundations and iwi post-settlement entities,” Ms Kohere-Soutar said.
Meanwhile, Paula Jackson is joining Mercer’s New Zealand board.
Ms Jackson has extensive global experience in marketing, technology and business disruption across the telecommunications and banking sectors. She serves as a director and trustee of several organisations, including Airways NZ and Quotable Value NZ.
Ms Jackson said she was looking forward to working with Ms Kohere-Soutar, other Board directors and the New Zealand leadership team.
“Mercer has a strong reputation in the market and its global scale combined with local expertise positions it well to partner with New Zealanders in achieving their investment goals,” Ms Jackson said.
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